by SHARON CHANG Art Editor
The city of London is the host for the 2012 Olympic Games, which is also the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and 1948. The 2012 Olympic Games are being held from July 27 to August 12. To keep the Olympic Games secure from an aerial attack, Britain’s military are installing a missile battery on top of a tower within an upscale apartment near the Olympic Park in east London. Around 700 people who live within 2 miles of the Olympic Stadium were contacted and warned that weapons and troops are likely to be based at the site for about two months. “The majority of this exercise will be played out in full view of the public and I hope that it will have a secondary effect of reassuring the British people that everything possible is being done to ensure this will be a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Defense Secretary Philip Hammond. While the military is focusing on safety, the Olympic village is focusing on housing and the needs of athletes. The 16,000 beds will be made with 64,000 bed sheets and 21,000 pillows, while the 9,000 wardrobes being installed will become finished with 170,000 coat hangers. Not only that, during the Games, there will be up to 60,000 meals served every day using many different ingredients, including 5,000 loaves of bread; 232 tons of potatoes; 75,000 liters of milk; and more than 330 tons of fruit and vegetables. Even Matthew Pinsent, who is a four times Olympic gold medalist, was helping lift in the first of more than 16,000 beds into the Village. “Athletes are at the heart of the London 2012 Games and our plans for the Olympic Village will provide them with a home-from-home as they prepare for one of the biggest sporting moments of their lives,” says London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Chair Seb Coe. The Olympic Torch will get a warm royal welcoming at Buckingham Palace from Prince William and Kate Middleton. The young royals, joined by Prince Harry, will be handed three torchbearers to carry the flame through the palace on July 26, the day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will officially open the games on July 27. Not only is the royal family going to be present, but so will the Kardashians. Being raised by an Olympian, it is no shock that the Kardashians have interest in the festivities. Kim and Khloe Kardashian are planning to make the Olympic games their next filming destination. All this preparation is getting everyone excited, especially because the Summer Olympic Games come only once every four years. It will be worth watching every event, whether you are physically there, listening to it on the radio, or just watching it on tv.